Spotted Bear Spirits sits on Railway Street in downtown Whitefish, Montana, bringing craft distilling to this mountain town known more for skiing and Glacier National Park access. Founded by local entrepreneurs who wanted to create spirits that capture the essence of Northwest Montana, the distillery opened its doors in 2018 in a renovated commercial space that maintains the area’s railroad heritage charm. They focus on small-batch vodka, gin, and whiskey, using Montana-sourced grains and pristine mountain water that flows from the nearby peaks. The operation started when the founders recognized Whitefish’s growing reputation as a destination town but noticed it lacked a local distillery despite Montana’s rich agricultural resources. They spent two years perfecting their recipes and navigating Montana’s distilling regulations before opening their tasting room and production facility. The team takes a hands-on approach to every batch, emphasizing quality control and local ingredient sourcing whenever possible. Visitors find a welcoming tasting room where you can sample their spirits while watching the production process through large windows. The space feels authentically Montana without overdoing the rustic theme, and the staff genuinely knows their products and production methods. You’ll taste spirits that reflect the clean, crisp character of Montana’s environment, and you can purchase bottles to take home or ship within state guidelines.